Rope-less aquatic traps

ABSTRACT

An example line restraint system comprises a housing, a processor, a motor, a release cam, and a timer. The release cam comprises a stem portion and an arm portion. The stem portion is proximate to the housing and the arm portion may be opposite the stem portion. The stem portion may be rotatably coupled to the motor. The motor may be configured to turn the arm portion of the release cam between an open and closed state. When in the closed state, an overhang of the arm portion at least partially defines a cavity capable of retaining a release line. When in the open state, the release cam opens the cavity to enable release of the release line. The timer may receive instructions from the processor to set a particular time and to trigger the motor to turn the release cam from the closed state to the open state.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION(S)

Embodiments of the present invention(s) related generally to aquatictraps and more particularly to aquatic traps for fishing to reduce therisk of entanglement risk to sea life.

SUMMARY

An example line restraint system comprises a housing, a processor, amotor, a release cam, and a timer. The motor may be contained within thehousing. The housing may seal the motor and the processor from gettingwet when the housing is submerged. The release cam may extend from thehousing. The release cam may comprise a stem portion and an arm portionopposite the stem portion. The stem portion may be proximate to thehousing. The arm portion may be opposite the stem portion and away fromthe housing. The arm portion may extend away from the stem portion ofthe release cam. The stem portion may be rotatably coupled to the motor.The motor may be configured to turn the arm portion of the release cambetween an open and closed state. When in the closed state, an overhangof the arm portion of the release cam at least partially defining acavity capable of retaining a release line. When in the open state, therelease cam may open the cavity to enable release of the release line.The timer may be contained within the housing. The timer may beconfigured to receive instructions from the processor to set aparticular time and capable of triggering the motor to turn the releasecam from the closed state to the open state at the particular time.

In various embodiments, the release cam may include a beveled section(e.g., tapered section) opposite the stem portion that opposite thehousing. The beveled section may be adjacent to or part of the armportion. The beveled section may assist the release line to easily slipoff the release cam when the release cam turns. The tapered section maybe beveled or tapered at any degree of angle.

In some embodiments, the line restraint system further comprises arelease line retainer coupled to the line restraint system, a portion ofthe release line retainer extending from the housing, and wherein in theclosed state, the arm portion of the release cam being directed towardsthe release line retainer, the release line retainer and the overhang ofthe arm portion of the release came at least partially defining thecavity. The line restraint system may be capable of being coupled to anaquatic trap and capable of holding a release line in the cavity whenthe line restraint system is in the closed stated, thereby enabling atrap line coupled to a buoy to be restrained from rising when theaquatic trap is deployed underwater.

The particular time may be an amount of time that must pass until thetiming device triggers the motor. In some embodiments, the particulartime is a chronological time that must be reached until the timingdevice triggers the motor. In various embodiments, the processor isfurther configured to set the particular time through movement of therelease cam. In various embodiments, turning the cam may start or setthe timer. In various embodiments, the cam may be used to deactivate thetimer.

The processor may be further configured to set the particular timecomprises the processor receiving a first signal to change theparticular time based on a clockwise turn of the release cam. In someembodiments, the processor may be further configured to set theparticular time comprises the processor configured to set the particulartime based on a first turn of the release cam, to increase theparticular time based on a clockwise turn of the release cam, todecrease the particular time based on a counterclockwise turn of therelease cam, and store the particular time based on inaction of therelease cam for a particular duration.

The line restraint system may be capable of being coupled to the insideof the aquatic trap. In some embodiments, the line restraint system maybe coupled to the outside of the aquatic trap.

An example method comprises receiving, by a processor of a linerestraint system, a signal to set a timer, the line restraint systemincluding a housing, the processor being within the housing, setting, bythe processor, a particular time to trigger a motor to turn a releasecam of the line restraint system, the motor being within the housing,the housing sealing the processor and the motor from getting wet whenthe housing is submerged, triggering, by the processor, the motor toturn the release cam when the particular time is reached, the releasecam extending from the housing, the release cam comprising a stemportion and an arm portion opposite the stem portion, the stem portionbeing proximate to the housing, the arm portion being opposite the stemportion and away from the housing, the arm portion extending away fromthe stem portion of the release cam, the stem portion being rotatablycoupled to the motor, and turning, by the motor, the arm portion of therelease cam from a closed state to an open state, when in the closedstate, an overhang of the arm portion of the release cam at leastpartially defining a cavity that is enclosed and capable of retaining arelease line, when in the open state, the cavity is no longer enclosedto enable release of the release line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts deployment of an aquatic trap with its trap line andbuoy restrained by a line restraining system in some embodiments.

FIG. 1B depicts retrieval of an aquatic trap with its trap line and buoyreleased by a line restraining system in some embodiments.

FIG. 2A depicts a first three-dimensional (3D) rendering of a linerestraint device in some embodiments.

FIG. 2B depicts a second three-dimensional (3D) rendering of a linerestraint device in some embodiments.

FIG. 3A depicts a line restraint system in some embodiments.

FIG. 3B depicts a circular aquatic trap with the line restraint systemin some embodiments.

FIG. 3C depicts a close view of the circular aquatic trap with the linerestraint device in some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts an image of the aquatic trap installed in a black seabass trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts an image of the line restraint device installed on alobster trap in some embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a line restraint device holding a release line whichholds the coiled trap line in place in some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts the line restraint device turning the release cam torelease the release line and free the coiled trap line in someembodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts the line restraint device in an open state in someembodiments. the release cam may turn to open the cavity and release therelease line.

FIG. 9 depicts a 3D rendering of interior components of the linerestraint device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts another 3D rendering of interior components of the linerestraint device without the bulkhead mount in some embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the line restraint device in someembodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts a view of a motor mount in some embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts views of the motor end plug for holding the motor insome embodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts a process for setting a timer of the line restraintdevice in some embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts a process for arming the line restraint device in someembodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts a process for disarming the line restraint device insome embodiments.

FIG. 17 depicts a process for releasing the release line from the cavityformed at least in part by the release cam in some embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating entities of an example digitaldevice able to read instructions from a machine-readable medium andexecute those instructions in a processor to perform the machineprocessing tasks discussed herein, such as the engine operationsdiscussed above.

FIG. 19 depicts different views of the release cam in an embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments described herein are directed to a device to reducerecreational and commercial fishing gear entanglements. Entanglement isa threat particularly to humpback whales, grey whales, and blue whaleson the West Coast. All of these species are protected under the MarineMammal Protection Act, with blue whales listed as endangered, andhumpback whales on the West Coast listed as threatened under theEndangered Species Act.

Current fishing technologies are a significant risk to large whaleswithin the U.S. EEZ and globally. On the worldwide scale, entanglementshave been documented to be a chronic problem in a broad range ofprevious studies. NOAA's National Report on Large Whale Entanglements(2017) for U.S. coastal waters reported that in 2017, 76 confirmed casesof large whale entanglements were documented along the coasts of theUnited States with 70 involving live animals and six associated withdead animals, and that the five most frequently entangled large whalespecies were humpback whales, gray whales, minke whales, blue whales,and North Atlantic right whales. Geographically, more than 50% of allentanglement reports occurred in California (32.9%) and Massachusetts(26.6%) waters. On the east coast of the U.S. much of the focus on whaleentanglement issues has been with the North Atlantic right whalepopulation due to the combination of its endangered status, the strongoverlap between whales and fisheries, and the significant number ofmortalities relative to sustainability of the population.

Entanglement rates on the West Coast alone are significant and haveincreased to a level that is comparable to the U.S. Northeast andMid-Atlantic. The recent NOAA 2017 West Coast Entanglement Summaryindicated that a total of 31 whales were entangled off the coasts ofWashington, Oregon, and California with gear from U.S. fisheries.Humpback whales were the most common species entangled (16) along withgray whales (12) followed by blue whales (3). Two of the confirmed graywhale entanglements involved whales that were found dead. Entanglementswere predominantly off the California coast (31) with gray whaleentanglements most common in southern California, while humpbackentanglements most common off central California.

The inherent challenge in the development of a viable rope-less fishingsystem is to reduce or minimize entanglement risk to marine animals suchas whales without significantly impacting the viability of the fishery.

Most of the current research toward rope-less fishing technology hasfocused on adapting devices that were originally developed for retrievalof oceanographic instrumentation, which is generally very expensive, andthe retrieval frequency is very low. As a result, retrieval equipmentfor such instrumentation is relatively expensive, complex, andcumbersome. The exact opposite is the case for some embodimentsdescribed herein. In various embodiments, costs for the equipment isreasonable, retrieval frequency is high, and complexity ofimplementation is reasonably low (complexity that slows down the fishingoperation is very detrimental to the economics of fishing).

Some embodiments described herein reduces or eliminates exposure ofwhales to entanglement hazards in the water column. Some embodiments maybe simple enough to be easily integrated into the existing fishingprocess without undue impact to the time and effort required to deployand retrieve the fishing gear. The apparatus, in some embodiments, maybe easily stowed within the footprint of the existing trap and does notimpede the stacking of traps. Further, some embodiments providecomparable visibility on the surface to the traditional system. Thesystem may integrate a means to determine the location andidentification of the gear by fishermen and enforcement agencies in theabsence of surface buoys.

FIGS. 1A and 1B include a series of images depicting the deployment ofthe rope-less fishery trap (i.e., an aquatic trap) according to someembodiments. In various embodiments, the system and process of use issimple enough to be integrated into the existing fishing process withoutundue impact on the time and effort required to deploy and retrieve thefishing gear. The system may also be stowed within the footprint of theexisting aquatic trap and may not impede the stacking of traps. Somesystems described herein are reliable and redundant to the degree thatthe amount of equipment loss is either the same or less relative torope-based systems of the prior art. The system may also reduce oreliminate exposure of whales to entanglement hazards in a water column.

An aquatic trap is a trap that is used to capture fish, lobsters, crab,or the like, usually for the purposes of commercial fishing and seafood. It will be appreciated that various embodiments described hereinmay be utilized with many different types of traps for sea life.

FIG. 1A depicts deployment of an aquatic trap with its trap line andbuoy restrained by a line restraining system in some embodiments. Theline restraining system may include a line restraint device as discussedherein. The line restraint device may be coupled to each aquatic trap.The line restraint device may restrain the trap line and buoy fromextending through the water column until a pre-programmed time. At thepre-programmed time, the line restraint device may trigger a release ofthe trap line (e.g., rope) and buoy from the aquatic trap, therebyallowing the buoy to rise through the water column with the trailingtrap line and emerge at the surface of the water. The user may thenretrieve the aquatic trap in the traditional manner.

In step 102, the user may set the line restraint system and linerestraint device. The line restraint system may restrain all or part ofthe trap line to the aquatic trap. The trap is coupled to the trap line.The other end of the trap line is coupled to at least one float or buoy.

The trap line may be coiled and then the coiled trap line may berestrained to the outside of the aquatic trap. In one example, thecoiled trap line may be held against uncoiling underwater by a releaseline coupled to the line restraint device. The line restraint system mayinclude one or more restraining members (e.g., one or more bars orelongated members) connected by one end to the aquatic trap. In someembodiments, the other end of the restraining member(s) may be coupledto one end of the release line. The other end of the release line may becoupled to the line restraint device to hold the coiled trap line fromuncoiling and prevent the buoy from floating to the surface.

In step 104, the user may configure the line restraint device to open orotherwise disengage with one end of the release line at a programmedtime (e.g., the pop-up time). The pop-up time is the time that the linerestraint device is programmed to trigger release of the trap line andbuoy. In various embodiments, the line restraint device includes a timerthat may be set to trigger release of the trap line and buoy. The linerestraint device may include a timer-release that is preprogrammed sothat the buoy may pop up out of the water just before the next visit,thus minimizing exposure and risk for entanglement of nearby whales.

After the trap line is coiled, the trap line is positioned to be held atthe aquatic trap (at least in part) by the release line, and the linerestraint device is set, the user may deploy the aquatic trap. The usermay drop off the trap into the water, after which the aquatic trap willsink, taking the coiled trap line and the buoy restrained at or near theaquatic trap by the line restraint device.

In various embodiments, the trap line may be coiled on top of theaquatic trap and held in place by a line restraint system (e.g.,including one or more restraining members or a release line). The linerestraint device may include a hook or lever configured to secure theline restraint system by hooking onto a release line that holds the linerestraint system in place. At a pre-programmed time, the line restraintdevice may pivot the hook or lever to release the release line (e.g.,loosening or opening the line restraint system), thereby allowing thebuoy to float to the surface and uncoil all or part of the trap line ontop of the aquatic trap. The line restraint device and the linerestraint system are further discussed herein.

The user may deploy any number of aquatic traps, each aquatic trap mayinclude a coiled trap line restrained to the respective aquatic trap andheld in place, at least in party, by the line restraint device. Eachline restraint device may be programmed to release the line of differentaquatic traps simultaneously, near simultaneously, serially, and/or thelike. In some embodiments, where there are multiple aquatic trapsconnected together (e.g., in a “trawl line”), a single line restraintsystem may be used to retrieve any number of the line of aquatic traps.

FIG. 1B depicts retrieval of an aquatic trap with its trap line and buoyreleased by a line restraining system in some embodiments. In step 108,at a particular time, the line restraint device may disengage with theend of the release line, thereby enabling the buoy to float to thesurface and pull the trap line from the aquatic trap. In anotherexample, the release line may restrain the coiled trap line by wrappingone or more parts of the coiled trap line to the outside of the trap.When the line restraint device disengages with one end of the releaseline, the buoy floats towards the surface of the water and pulls thetrap line away from the aquatic trap. The release line may fully orpartially unfurl or unravel to enable all or part of the trap line touncoil and allow one end of the trap line to be pulled up to the surfaceof the water by the buoy.

In step 110, the user may retrieve the aquatic trap using traditionaltechniques. For example, the trap line of the aquatic trap may be caughtby the user and connected to a winch that can pull the rope and guidethe trap to the boat. Fish in the trap may be retrieved, let go, or thelike. In some embodiments, the winch may include an automated linecoiler that coils the trap line as the aquatic trap is hauled into theboat by the winch. After being hauled in, the aquatic trap may bere-deployed with the coiled trap line.

In step 112, the aquatic trap may be re-deployed. In one example, thetrap line may be coiled after retrieval (or is coiled during retrieval).The coiled trap line may be coupled to the aquatic trap with the releaseline. One end of the release line may be coupled to the line restraintdevice and the line restraint device configured to hold the linerestraint device in order to restrain the coiled trap line and buoy. Theuser may then drop the trap back into the water.

Alternately, the user may coil the trap line and place the line withinthe aquatic trap. The aquatic trap may be stacked or positioned forstorage. In some embodiments, the line restraint device may be connectedto a part of the aquatic trap from within the aquatic trap itself,thereby enabling easy storage for the aquatic trap (e.g., the linerestraint device may not interfere with stacking of storage of one ormore aquatic traps).

There may be additional steps. For example, the user may optionally scanthe trap. In various embodiments, the line restraint device includes abar code, active identifier, or passive identifier that may be scannedto help identify the aquatic trap and/or the coupled line restraintdevice. The user may track which traps and/or line restraint devices aredeployed, when they are deployed, and/or where they are deployed. Invarious embodiments, the line restraint device may include a sensor,tag, acoustic transceiver, and/or the like that enables the device toreport a unique identifier and/or location to the user and/or ageolocation system.

The line restraint device and/or the user may provide a position of thetrap and/or coupled line restraint device to a geolocation system usinga satellite or cell link. In various embodiments, the line restraintdevice may include an acoustic transceiver configured to providelocation information or enable the line restraint device to be located(e.g., through triangulation, strength of signal, and/or other methods).The user (e.g., fisherman) may utilize equipment aboard the ship or boatto receive signals from the line restraint device and then then user mayupdate the location and/or identifier to the geolocation system usingthe satellite or cell link. In some embodiments, the line restraintdevice may communicate directly with the geolocation system to reportits identification and/or location. The user and/or appropriateauthorities may utilize information within the geolocation system tolocate, log, and/or track any number of aquatic traps.

In some embodiments, the rope-less trap may include an acoustic tagcapable of providing a rope-less trap identifier (for identification)and/or location information. For example, the acoustic tag may be orinclude a transceiver (e.g., within the line restraint device) thatprovides a signal (e.g., low frequency) that can be received by a useror enforcement agency on a boat. Each rope-less trap may include adifferent acoustic tag capable of providing a different identifier soeach rope-less trap can be identified, even if the buoy is not deployed.

FIG. 2A depicts a first three-dimensional (3D) rendering of a linerestraint device 200 in some embodiments. The line restraint device 200may be cylindrical in shape with an end cap 204 on one end opposite theend plug 206 and release cam 208 at the other end of the line restraintdevice 200. While a cylindrical shaped device is depicted as being theline restraint device 200, it will be appreciated that the linerestraint device 200 may be any shape, including square, circular,rectangular, polygonal, or the like.

In the example depicted in FIG. 2A, the line restraint device 200 mayinclude a housing 202, an end cap 204, an end plug 206, a release cam208, and a release line retainer 210. The housing 202 may contain amotor as well as a timer device.

The line restraint device 200 may be coupled to the aquatic trap throughany means, including with metal hooks, bindings, or the like. In variousembodiments, the line restraint device 200 is coupled to the inside ofthe aquatic trap. In other embodiments, the line restraint device 200may be coupled to the outside of the aquatic trap.

The release cam 208 may form or assist in forming a cavity to hold therelease line. The release line retainer 210 may keep the release linefrom slipping out from underneath the arm of the release cam 208. Therelease line retainer 210 may be affixed to the housing 202 and/or theend plug 206. In various embodiments, the release line retainer 210includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may bepartially coupled to the line restraint device 200 (e.g., through or bythe housing 202 and/or the end plug 206). The inner surface of therelease line retainer 210 may extend beyond the end plug 206. When therelease cam 208 is in a closed position, the face of the arm of therelease cam 208 (further discussed herein) may be directed towards theinner surface of the release line retainer 210. This may form a cavityor hole through which the release line may be looped and retained whenthe release cam 208 is in the closed position or state. When the releasecam 208 turns to the open position or state, the arm and face of the armturn away from the inner surface of the release line retainer 210 tocreate an opening in the cavity and allow the release line to escape.

When set (e.g., the release cam 208 is in the closed state), the releaseline be coupled, retained, or held by the release cam 208 and/or therelease line retainer 210. The release line holds or assists in holdingthe trap line in place. In various embodiments, the release cam 208 iscoupled to the motor within the housing 202. At a preprogrammed time,the motor may turn the release cam 208 such that the release cam 208 isno longer touching or directed to the release line retainer 210. Therelease line will slide out from underneath the restraining member ofthe release cam 208 thereby allowing the float or buoy to float to thesurface.

The release cam may include a first end that may be coupled to the motorwithin the housing 202, and an arm portion that is directed away from(e.g., perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) the stem end of therelease cam 208. The arm may have a face which is a flat or curved endthat can face the release line retainer 210 when the release cam 208 isin the closed state.

An outer surface of the release cam 208 that is opposite the stem endcoupled to the motor may have a tapered section (e.g., tapered at a45-degree angle) to assist in allowing the release line to slide awayfrom the line restraint device 200 when the motor turns the arm of therelease cam 208 away from the line restraint device 200. In other words,the beveled section (e.g., tapered section) may assist the release line(e.g., release line 302) to easily slip off the release cam 208 when therelease cam 208 turns. The tapered section may be beveled or tapered atany degree of angle.

In various embodiments, the release cam 208 and/or release line retainer210 form a cavity (e.g., hole) for holding and restraining a loop of therelease line. When the release cam 208 rotates, the release line isreleased from the cavity.

The housing 202 may include a display screen, a motor, a processor, anda controls for setting the timer. The display screen may appear throughor within the housing 202. The processor may include memory withinstructions capable of setting a release time. The release time mayindicate a time of day or duration (e.g., a timer). When the releasetime is reached, the processor will trigger the motor to turn therelease cam 208 which will release the release line.

The end cap 204 and the end plug 206 provide protection and may seal thehousing against water intrusion, even when the line restraint device 200is on the sea floor.

FIG. 2B depicts a second three-dimensional (3D) rendering of a linerestraint device 200 in some embodiments. The line restraint device 200may be coupled to the aquatic trap through any means, including withmetal hooks, bindings, or the like. In various embodiments, the linerestraint device 200 is coupled to the inside of the aquatic trap. Inother embodiments, the line restraint device 200 may be coupled to theoutside of the aquatic trap.

The line restraint device 200 may include the housing 202, the end cap204, the end plug 206, the release cam 208, the release line retainer210, and the cam tool socket 212. The release cam 208 includes thetapered portion 216. The release line cavity 214 is formed by therelease cam 208 and the release line retainer 210 when the linerestraint device 200 is in the closed state. FIG. 2B also includes anend plug view 218.

The release cam 208 may form or assist in forming a cavity (i.e., therelease line cavity 214) to hold the release line. The release linecavity 214 may be hole or a divot within sold material. The release cam208 may comprise one or more portions that include a stem end and anarm. The release cam 208 may, for example, form an “L” shape in whichthe stem end extends from the end plug 206 and the arm forms a bend withthe stem end. The arm extends outwards away from the central axis of thestem end (e.g., the central axis being a longitudinal access extendingthrough the line restraint device 200). The stem end may extend from anend of the housing 202.

The stem end may be coupled to the motor or coupled to an axel that iscoupled to the motor within the housing 202. In some embodiments, thestem end is positioned at one end of the housing along a longitudinal,radial axis that runs through the middle of line restraint device 200down the length of the device from end to end (e.g., from end plug 206to end cap 204).

The release line retainer 210 may keep a loop of the release line fromslipping out from underneath the arm of the release cam 208. The releaseline retainer 210 may be affixed to the housing 202 and/or the end plug206. In various embodiments, the release line retainer 210 includes anouter surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may be partiallycoupled to the line restraint device 200 (e.g., through or by thehousing 202 and/or the end plug 206). The inner surface of the releaseline retainer 210 may extend beyond the end plug 206. When the releasecam 208 is in a closed position, a face of the arm of the release cam208 (further discussed herein) may be directed towards the inner surfaceof the release line retainer 210. This may assist to form a cavity orhole through which the release line may be looped and retained when therelease cam 208 is in the closed position or state. When the release cam208 turns to the open position or state, the arm and face of the armturn away from the inner surface of the release line retainer 210 tocreate an opening in the cavity and allow the release line to escape.

Opposite the stem end, the release cam 208 may include an arm portion.The arm portion may extend away from the longitudinal, radial axis.

As discussed herein, the release cam 208 may form a hook or lever tocreate the release line cavity 214 in order to hold or trap the releaseline (e.g., with a loop of the release line in the release line cavity214 until the release cam 208 turns). The release line retainer 210 maykeep the release line from slipping over the release cam 208 when therelease cam 208 is in the closed position.

The release cam 208 may include a tapered portion 216 to assist therelease line to be freed from the release line cavity 214 when therelease cam 208 is in or progressing to the open state. The taperedportion 216 may be at any angle. In some embodiments, there is notapered portions 216.

In various embodiments, the release cam 208 is coupled to the motorwithin the housing 202. At a preprogrammed time, the motor may turn therelease cam 208 such that the release cam 208 is no longer touching ordirected to the release line retainer 210 (e.g., opening the releaseline cavity 214 such that the release line may be freed from the linerestraint device 200.

The release cam may include a first end that may be coupled to the motorwithin the housing 202, and a lever portion that is perpendicular (orsubstantially perpendicular) to the end of the housing 202. An outer endof the release cam 208 that is across from the first end coupled to themotor may have a tapered section (e.g., the tapered portion 216) toassist in allowing the release line from sliding away from the linerestraint device 200 when the release cam 208 turns away from the linerestraint device 200.

As discussed herein, the housing 202 may include a display screen, amotor, a processor, and controls for setting the timer. The displayscreen may appear through or within the housing 202. The processor mayinclude memory with instructions capable of setting a release time. Therelease time may indicate a time of day or duration (e.g., a timer).When the release time is reached, the processor will trigger the motorto turn the release cam 208 which will release the release line.

The end cap 204 and the end plug 206 provide protection and may seal thehousing 202 against water intrusion, even when the line restraint device200 is on the sea floor. The end plug 206 may also seal the housing 202.The end plug may be coupled to the housing 202. The release cam 208 maybe coupled to the motor within the housing 202 through the end plug 206.

The release cam 208 may include a cam tool socket 212. A cam tool mayinclude an end that can be coupled through the cam tool socket 212 tooptionally set the timer. In some embodiments, the timer is set byturning the release cam 208 as discussed herein. In some embodiments,the cam tool may be used to release the end plug 206 from the housing202.

In various embodiments, the housing 202 includes a processor and memoryconfigured to be able to set a pop-up time. In various embodiments, thepop-up time may be configured by turning the release cam 208 prior todeployment of the aquatic trap. For example, twisting the release cam208 in one direction may enable the pop-up time to be set. Exampleprocesses of setting the pop-up time is discussed herein.

FIG. 3A depicts a line restraint device 200 in some embodiments. Theline restraint system 300 may include the line restraint device 200, therelease line 302, and retain member(s) 304. The retain member(s) 304 mayinclude a single retention member 304, two retain members 304, or more.in one example, the retention member 304 may be “V” shape. Each end ofthe “V” shape may be coupled to the outside of an aquatic trap (e.g.,through rings, hooks, rope, and/or otherwise). One point of theretention member 304 may be coupled to an end or portion of the releaseline 302.

The trap line may be coiled and all or of the trap line positionedunderneath all or part of the retention member(s) 304. Similarly, all orpart of the coiled trap line may be positioned underneath at least partof the release line 302.

Two ends of the release line 302 may be coupled to the retentionmember(s) 304 to forma loop. The other end of the loop of the releaseline 302 may be coupled to the release cam 208 of the line restraintdevice 200. In one example, the loop of the release line 302 may belooped around the release cam 208 and prevented from escaping by therelease line retainer 210. In other example, one end of the release linemay be coupled to the retention member(s) 304 and the other tied to forma loop or otherwise releasably tied or looped around the release cam208.

There may be any number of retention members 304. In some embodiments,each retention member 304 may form a separate leg where one end of eachretention member is coupled to the aquatic trap and the other endcoupled or otherwise held in place by the release line 302. When theline restraint device 200 releases one end of the release line 302, thefloat or buoy will pull and uncoil the trap line. The pressure from thebuoy will force the trap line to escape the loose and/or open retentionmembers 304 and/or remaining release line 302.

FIG. 3B depicts a circular aquatic trap 306 (e.g., a Dungeness crab pot)with the line restraint device 200 in some embodiments. In this example,the trap line 406 (discussed herein) may be coiled and secured to thetop of the aquatic trap 502 using the release line 302 (e.g., a bungeeloop) and the timed release of the line restraint device 200. Each ofthe retention members 304 is separately coupled to an edge of theaquatic trap 306. It will be appreciated that the retention members 304may be coupled to any portion of the aquatic trap 306. The retentionmembers 304 as depicted in FIG. 3B are on the outside of the aquatictrap 306. Each end of the retention members 304 that are coupled to theaquatic trap 306 may be coupled to the aquatic trap with locking member308 which may be a ring, strap, or other connector.

In this example, the release line 302 extends from the line restraintdevice 200, through a loop (e.g., D ring 312) in the center of theaquatic trap 306, and then to the retention member(s) 304. The D ring312 may be coupled to the aquatic trap 306 and the release line 302 maybe wrapped around the ring (e.g., with one winding or one wrap around apart of the ring). The optional D ring 312 may serve to secure thecoiled trap line 406. When the release line 302 is released from theline restraint device 200, the release line 302 may be pulled from allor part of the D ring 312 by the force of the trap line 406 being pulledby the buoy is it floats towards the surface.

Similarly, the line restraint device 200 may be coupled to the aquatictrap by one or more device locks 310. The device locks 310 may includeone or more metal rings or bands configured to hold the line restraintdevice 200 to a portion of the aquatic trap 306 (e.g., inside theaquatic trap 306). It will be appreciated that the line restraint device200 may be held to the aquatic trap 306 in any number of ways (e.g.,using rope, a bracket, rings, straps, and/or the like).

FIG. 3C depicts a close view of the circular aquatic trap 306 with theline restraint device 200 in some embodiments. In this figure, therelease line 302 extends from the line restraint device 200 over thecoiled tap line. The line restraint device 200 includes a cavity 318formed, in part, by the arm 314 of the release cam 208. The release line302 extends from the coiled trap line through the cavity 318. Oneportion of the arm 314 includes the beveled portion 316 which may assistthe release line 302 from being freed from the cavity 318 when the motorin the line restraint device 200 turns the arm 314.

FIG. 4 depicts an image of the aquatic trap installed in a black seabass trap according to some embodiments. In this example, there may notbe retention members 304. The trap line 406 is coiled to the outside ofthe bass trap and held in place by looping the release line 302 aroundtwo sides of the coiled trap line 406. Two ends of the release line 302may be tied or otherwise secured to the bass trap while a loop of therelease line 302 may be wrapped around the release cam 208 of the linerestraint device 200 (e.g., through a cavity that is created when therelease cam 208 is in the closed position). In FIG. 4, the release cam208 is in the “open” position thereby allowing the loop of the releaseline 302 to be placed in a cavity that will be defined by the releasecam 208, the release line retainer 210, and the end cap 204 when therelease cam 208 is turned to a “closed” position.

After the bass trap is deployed, a timer when trigger the motor to turnthe release cam 208 to the open position and release the loop of therelease line 302 thereby allowing the buoy 404 to float to the surface.The buoy 404 is coupled to one end of the trap line 406 and, when therelease line 302 is released from the line restraint device 200, willpull the trap line 406 such that the release line 302 may further unfurlor unravel from being around the coiled trap line thereby allowing allor part of the trap line 406 to extend.

It will be appreciated that the release line 302 may be coupled to theaquatic trap and the line restraint device 200 in many different ways.In various embodiments, the release line 302 forms a loop that is hookedaround the release cam 208. Once the loop escapes from the linerestraint device 200 (due to the movement of the release cam 208), thecoiled trap line 406 is free to be pulled by the buoy 404. When the linerestraint device 200 is in the closed state the release line 302 is heldin place and the buoy 404, tied to the trap line 406, is unable to rise.

It will be appreciated that it may be preferable use to alternativemethods to retain the trap line 406 until the line restraint device 200releases the release line 302. In some embodiments, only the releaseline 302 holds part of the coiled trap line 406 while in otherembodiments, part of the coiled trap line 406 may be held in place byretaining members or the like.

FIG. 5 depicts an image of the line restraint device installed on alobster trap in some embodiments. As used herein, the term aquatic trapmay refer to any trap for sea animals. In this image, the buoy 504 istied t the trap line 506. The trap line is coiled and restrained by therelease line 302 and the retention member 304. The retention member 304is in a “V” configuration where the ends are connected to the aquatictrap 502 my connectors, such as rings. The center of the retentionmember 304 is tied or looped with the release line 302. The ends of therelease line 302 may be tied to the aquatic trap 502. A loop of therelease line 302 may be looped around the retention member 304, a coilof the trap line 506, and through the line restraint device 200 (e.g.,underneath the release cam 208 when the release cam 208 is in the closedstate.

The coil of the trap line 506 may be around the center of the retentionmember 304. The coil of the trap line 506 may be placed between theaquatic trap 502 and the retention member 304 to keep the trap line 506from being pulled free by the buoy 504. Further, the coil of the trapline 506 may be constrained between the release line 302 and the aquatictrap 502.

When the release cam 208 rotates to the open state, the release line 302may be released from the line restraint device 200 thereby freeing therelease line 302 from be constrained between the release line 302 andthe aquatic trap 502. Further, the release of the release line 302, mayallow the coil to pull always from being between the retention member304 and the aquatic trap 502. In some embodiments, when the release line302 is released, the retention member 304 may loosen or open to furtherallow the trap line 506 to pull free. It will be appreciated thatalthough the trap line 506 is no longer constrained by the release cam208 and the retention member 304, one end of the trap line 506 remainstied to or otherwise connected to the aquatic trap 502.

While a single retention member 304 is discussed regarding FIG. 5, itwill be appreciated that there may be any number of retention members304. For example, each end of the retention member 304 extending fromthe center outwards may be a separate member.

In various embodiments, the release line 302 may be coupled to a twineor other material. The twine or other material may be, for example,degradable cotton. In one example, the release line 302 is coupled to adegradable cotton twine and the degradable cotton twine is coupled tothe line restraint device 200 (e.g., through release cam 208). Thedegradable cotton twine may degrade underwater over a period of time.The period of time may be longer than the time set at the timer. Invarious embodiments, the degradable cotton twine may degrade and releasethe release line 302 and/or the trap line 406. In one example, thedegradable cotton twine or other degradable material may provide a backup system to release the buoy and trap line even if the line restraintdevice 200 fails (i.e., to enable retrieval of the aquatic trap, trapline, buoy, and line restraint device 200 even if the line restraintdevice 200 fails).

FIGS. 6-8 depict the line restraint device 200 holding and releasing therelease line 302 in one example. As discussed herein the timer-releaseof the line restraint device 200 may be preprogrammed to trigger releaseof the trap line so that the buoy will pop up just before the nextvisit, thus reducing exposure and risk for entanglement of nearbywhales.

For turnaround/retrieval, the float will be at the surface when thefisherman arrives and be recovered using normal handling gear. The linerestraint device 200 could then be reset, and the trap would bere-deployed.

At the time of deployment, the real-time geolocation system is used tomark the location of the trap and transmit that location to a databaseof regional trap locations. The geolocation system is also used todisplay the locations of other nearby traps so that interference can beavoided. For regulatory purposes, enforcement personnel could monitortrap deployments via the geolocation database.

FIG. 6 depicts a line restraint device 200 holding a release line 302which holds the coiled trap line in place in some embodiments. In thisfigure, the aquatic trap 306 has already been deployed and is on the seafloor. The release line 302 may be, for example, a bungee cord, rope, orany other kind of line.

In FIG. 6, the release cam 208 is in the closed position where therelease cam 208, the end cap 204, and the release line retainer 210 forma cavity that the release line 302 runs through. The release cam 208,the end cap 204, and the release line retainer 210 may retain orotherwise restrain the release line 302 which holds the trap line aswell as the float at or near the fish cage. One end of the trap line iscoupled to the float or buoy which is floating at or immediately aboutthe aquatic trap 306. The float or buoy is constrained from floating tothe surface because the trap line is held in place at least partially bythe release line 302.

FIG. 7 depicts the line restraint device 200 turning the release cam 208to release the release line 302 and free the coiled trap line in someembodiments. In FIG. 7, the timer of the line restraint device 200 hastriggered the motor to turn (e.g., rotate) the release cam 208 whichwill open the cavity and release the loop of the release line 302 fromthe line restraint device 200.

FIG. 8 depicts the line restraint device 200 in an open state in someembodiments. the release cam 208 may turn to open the cavity and releasethe release line 302. The release line 302 may no longer restrain thecoiled trap line when the line restraint device 200 is in the openstate. Once the release line 302 escapes from the line restraint device200, the buoy starts to float towards the surface. The trap line thenextends between the buoy and the aquatic trap to enable retrieval of theaquatic trap.

The trap line is depicted in FIG. 8 as floating away from the aquatictrap as the float pull towards the surface.

FIG. 9 depicts a 3D rendering of interior components of the linerestraint device 200 according to some embodiments. In this depiction,the housing and end cap has been removed from the line restraint device200. It will be appreciated that the housing, end cap, and end plug 902may seal the inner components from getting wet when the line restraintdevice 200 is submerged.

In various embodiments, the end cap and/or the housing may be decoupledfrom the end plug 902. The release line retainer 210 may be fastened tothe housing in some embodiments. In various embodiments, removing theend plug 902 may allow for access to the internal parts of the linerestraint device 200. For example, removal of the end plug 902 mayprovide access to replace batteries and/or provide maintenance to otherinternal parts of the line restraint device 200.

The 3D rendering of the line restraint device 200 includes the end plug902, the release cam 208, end plug O-ring seal 904, a planetary gear906, a motor 908, an encoder 910, a display 912, a bulkhead 914, battery916, control and power PCB 918, bulkhead 920, threaded rods for bulkheadmount 922, access for shaft set screw 924, and a release line retainer210.

The end plug 902 may be circular and include a hole in the center of theplug to enable the release cam 208 to be coupled with an axel that runsto the motor 908. In various embodiments, the end plug 902 may becoupled to the release line retainer 210. The motor 908 may be anymotor. In one example, the gear reduction ratio of the motor 98 is 227:1but any gear ratio may be used.

The end plug O-ring seal 904 may be coupled to or near the end plug 902.The end plug O-ring seal 904 may assist in sealing the inner workings ofthe line restraint device 200 from water when the device is submerged.The end plug O-ring seal 904 may also assist in keeping the housing inplace and positioned at or near the end plug 902.

The planetary gear 906 may include or be a gear wheel whose axisdescribes a circular path around that of another wheel.

In various embodiments, the planetary gear 906 is a DC planetary gearbrush motor, model number #638252 from Robotzone. The planetary gear 906may assist in the setting of the timer. In various embodiments, thetimer may be set when the line restraint device 200 is disarmed and therelease cam 208 is twisted or turned by the user (e.g., fisherman) toset the timer. The planetary gear may allow the movement of the releasecam 208 to bypass the motor 908 or enable the motor 908 to bemanipulated in such a way as to allow movement of the release cam 208 toassist setting the timer.

Similarly, the planetary gear 906 may enable the motor to turn therelease cam 208 without resetting the timer or disarming/arming the linerestraint device 200.

The timer may be controlled by the control and power PCB 918. In variousembodiments, the control and power PCB 918 includes a processorconfigured to set the timer, run the timer, and to trigger the motor 908to open the release cam 208 from the closed state when the timer reachesa predetermined time.

By turning or otherwise manipulating the release cam 208, the encoder910 may translate or assist in translating movements of the release cam208 to signals that can be received by the control and power PCB 918 forsetting the timer, arming the line restraint device 200, or disarmingthe line restraint device 200. The process is further described herein.The encoder 910 may be coupled to the motor 908 and may assist withallowing the release cam 208 to be used as a control knob for settingthe timer.

The display 912 may be any display. For example, the display 912 mayinclude an LED screen. In one example, the display 912 may depict thetimer setting, whether the line restraint device 200 is armed, orwhether the line restraint device 200 is disarmed. The display 912 maybe monochrome (e.g., red, blue, green, black, or the like) or have anynumber of colors. In various embodiments, the display 912 may be withina clear housing 202 of the line restraint device 200.

The battery 916 may be any power source. In one example, the battery 916includes any number of AA batteries, AAAA batteries, lithium batteries,or the like. In some embodiments, the battery 916 may power the display912, the control and power PCB 918 (e.g., for the timer), and/or themotor 908. In some embodiments, the power source may include aspring/coil powered system and/or the like.

The line restraint device 200 depicted in FIG. 9 has two bulkheadsincluding bulkhead 914 and bulkhead 920. The bulkhead 914 may providesupport within the end cap not depicted. Similarly, the bulkhead 920 mayprovide support for the threaded rods (e.g., the bulkhead mount 922)which provides structural support and protection for the motor 908 andthe planetary gear 906. The bulkhead 920 also provides support andstructure for the encoder 910 to assist in the setting of the timer.

The shaft set screw 924 may be accessible through the housing of theline restraint device 200. Unscrewing the shaft set screw 924 may enablethe housing to be removed to gain access to the inner workings of theline restraint device 200 (e.g., to change the battery 916).

FIG. 10 depicts another 3D rendering of interior components of the linerestraint device 200 without the bulkhead mount 922 in some embodiments.FIG. 10 further depicts aspects of the release cam 208 in someembodiments. The line restraint device 200 in FIG. 10 depicts therelease cam 208 as well as components of the release cam 208 including astem portion 1002, an arm 1004, a face 1006, an inner surface 1008, andan outer surface 1010. FIG. 10 further depicts release cam O-ringgrooves (2 places) 1012, a motor hub 1014, thrust washers 1016, andmotor shaft setscrew 1018.

The release cam 208 may be a single piece (e.g., created from a 3Dprinter or machined) or include a combination of parts. The release cam208 includes a stem 1002 which may be coupled to the motor 908 or anaxel that is coupled to the motor 908. The stem 1002 may also be coupledthrough the planetary gears 906 to communicate with the control andpower PCB 918 to set the timer (e.g., through the encoder 910). The stemportion 1002 is depicted as being round but may be any shape. In someembodiments, the stem portion 1002 does not extend to the face 1006 ofthe release cam 208.

The arm 1004 may be coupled to one of the stem portion 1002 opposite theend of the stem portion 1002 that is nearest to the motor 908 (e.g.,opposite the end of the stem portion 1002 that is coupled to the motor908 and/or axel from the motor). The arm 1004 and the stem portion 1002may form an “L” shape. The arm 1004 may extend out from a linear, radialaxis of the line restraint device 200 and may create an overhang. Thearm 1004 may include a face 1006 that is the width or part of the widthof the arm 1004. The face 1006 may be flat or curved. In variousembodiments, when the line restraint device 200 is in a closed state,the face 1006 may be directed towards the release line retainer 210. Therelease line retainer 210 may extend from the housing of the linerestraint device 200 and may touch or become proximate to the face 1006when the release cam 208 is in the closed state. When the release cam208 rotates to the open state, the release cam 208 may turn the arm 1004and the face 1006 away from the release line retainer 210 to open acavity that may hold part of the release line 302.

In various embodiments, the user (e.g., the fisherman) may turn the arm1004 to turn the release cam 208. The user may turn the arm 1004 awayfrom the release line retainer 210 to access the cavity (e.g., the openstate) and place a loop of the release line 302 within the cavity. Theuser may then turn the arm 1004 toward the release line retainer 210 toclose the cavity and retainer the release line 302 within the cavity.When closed, the cavity may be formed by the inner surface 2008 of thearm 1004, a portion of the stem portion 1002 (e.g., the portion facingthe release line retainer 210), a portion of the release line retainer210 (e.g., the portion of the release line retainer 210 that extendsbeyond the housing and/or the end plug 902 and below the face 1006), andthe surface of the end plug 902 that is opposite the motor and the restof the inner workings of the line restraint device 200. In the openstate, the user may turn the arm 1004 to pull the face 1006 away fromthe release line retainer 210 to provide open access to the cavity.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the line restraint device 200 in someembodiments. The line restraint device 200 may be of any length. In thisexample, the total length of the line restraint device 200 may be 9.647inches long and the end plug may be 1.550 inches long. The linerestraint device 200 may be 1.670 inches in diameter.

FIG. 12 depicts a view of a motor mount in some embodiments. The motormount may mount the motor to the line restraint device 200 (e.g., withinthe bulkhead mount 922). Measurements may be in inches in this example.

FIG. 13 depicts views of the motor end plug 206 for holding the motor insome embodiments. FIG. 13 includes a face view 1302, a first orientationside view 1304, and a second orientation side view 1306. Themeasurements of the motor end plug may also be in inches.

FIG. 14 depicts a process for setting a timer of the line restraintdevice 200 in some embodiments. The timer may be set without a separateprogrammer or disposable parts.

In some embodiments, the user may turn the arm 1004 to arm the linerestraint device 200, disarm the line restraint device 200 and/or theset the timer. The figures in FIG. 14 depict a top view from the top endof the line restraint device 200. The top end of the line restraintdevice 200 includes the outer surface of the arm 1004. The red arrowsdepict the direction that the user may turn the arm 1004 (and turn therelease cam 208).

In the first figure, the user may turn the arm 1004 in either directionuntil the display 912 depicts “arm/set.” It will be appreciated that thedisplay 912 may display “set” or any information. In this example, oncethe display 912 indicates that the timer may be set, the user may turnor rotate the release cam 208 (by turning the arm 1004) until thedesired time appears. The set time may include a specific time or aduration in the future (e.g., within 2 hours) when the timer will expirewhich will trigger the release cam 208 to rotate into he open state torelease the release line 302 from the cavity.

In some embodiments, there line restraint device 200 may include avariety of presets, each of which may be a different time or duration inthe future (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 3 hours, fourhours, five hours, six hours, seven hours, eight hours, ten hours,twelve hours, 1 day, 2 days, or the like). In one example, the user mayturn the arm 1004 to select a different preset.

Once the desired time or preset is displayed, the user may wait a setduration (e.g., three seconds or any amount of time) to store the time.Once the time is stored, the display 912 may display “arm/set.”

FIG. 15 depicts a process for arming the line restraint device 200 insome embodiments. After the time is set, the user may turn the arm 1004until the “arm display” appears in the display 912 and the arm 1004 isshort of the release line retainer 210 (e.g., there is still access forthe release line 302 to be placed within the cavity). The user may thenplace a loop of the release line 302 in the cavity and then move the arm1004 over the loop of the release line 302 (e.g., to the closed statewhen the arm 1004 extends to or near the release line retainer 210 andthe face 1006 of the arm 1004 faces the release line retainer 210 or aportion of the release line retainer 210). In some embodiments, if thearm 1004 is turned such that the face 1006 faces the release lineretainer 210, the user may wait a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10seconds) and the display 912 may display “armed.”

When the line restraint device 200 is in a closed state, the arm 1004 isdirected to the release line retainer 210 (e.g., the face 1006 of thearm 1004 may be directed to and/or proximate to a portion of the releaseline retainer 210). The “closed” state is the “armed” state as displayedon the display 912.

It will be appreciated that to minimize programming time, the timer mayautomatically reset to the same time/duration as the previousdeployment, or it can be quickly reprogrammed by rotating the cam (usingan encoder attached to the motor).

FIG. 16 depicts a process for disarming the line restraint device 200 insome embodiments. After the line restraint device 200 is armed, the usermay disarm the line restraint device 200 by turning the arm 1004 untilthe display 912 displays “disarm” or “arm/set.” By turning the arm 1004,the release line 302 may be released from the cavity.

Once set and armed, the display 912 may be blank or may turn blank aftera predetermined period of time. Similarly, once disarmed, after apredetermined period of time, the display 912 may turn blank.

FIG. 17 depicts a process for releasing the release line 302 from thecavity formed at least in part by the release cam 208 in someembodiments. In various embodiments, the timer of the line restraintdevice 200 may trigger the release cam 208 to move (e.g., rotate) at thepop-up time (e.g., the pop-up time being set by the user as discussedfor example herein). At the time, with the line restraint device 200already armed, the display 912 may be blank and the control and powerPCB 918 may trigger the motor 908 to turn the arm 1004 to release theloop of the release line 302. In some embodiments, when the arm 1004 isturned to release the release line 302 (e.g., the arm is turned 180degrees), the display may optionally display “Released.”

The float may pull on the trap line, which is coiled and held in place,at least in part, by the release line 302. When the release line 302 isreleased by the line restraint device 200, the float may pull the trapline which may force and/or pull the release line 302 out of the cavity.In various embodiments, the release cam 208 includes a tapered portion1702 that may incline from the arm 1004 (e.g., opposite the face 1006)to the opposite edge of the stem portion 1002. The tapered portion 1702may assist the release line 302 to pull free from the cavity and slideover all or part of the tapered portion 1702. The tapered portion 1702may be at any angle and may be sloped such that the part of the taperedportion 1702 closest to the arm 1004 is upward, away from the housing,and the opposite part of the tapered portion 1702 closest to the stemportion 1002 is downwards, towards the housing.

The following is a setup of the line restraint device 200 in oneexample. In step 1, the user turns on the line restraint device 200 beturning the arm 1004 and/or inserting the screwdriver and rotating thecam either direction at least 90 degrees. In step 2, when the “ARM/SET”notice displays, user may turn the arm 1004 or use the screwdriver torotate the release cam 208 until the time displays in format DD HH.MM.The user may then rotate the arm 1004 of the release cam 208 clockwiseto increase the time, or counterclockwise to decrease the time. The usermay wait a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) to be acceptedby the unit and the line restraint device 200 may again display“ARM/SET.” In step 3, the user may coil the trap line 506 in a coil(e.g., with diameter of approximately 18 inches) and place the coil ontop of the aquatic trap 306. In step 4, the user may feed the releaseline 302 through a loop at the base of the float and then under asection of the aquatic trap 306 (e.g., within the wiring of the aquatictrap 306) that is in the center of the trap line 506 coil. In step 5,the user may stretch the release line 302 (e.g., a loop of the releaseline 302) over a part of the trap line 506 coil pulling the release loopof the release line 302 toward the release cam 208 of the line restraintdevice 200. The user may turn the release cam 208 or use a screwdriverto rotate the release cam 208 in a direction or either direction until“ARM/SET” displays. The user may rotate the release cam 208counterclockwise until the line restraint device 200 displays “ARM UNIT”and the release cam 208 is just about to engage with the portion of therelease line retainer 210 extending from the housing of the linerestraint device 200. The user may loop the release line 302 under therelease cam 208 and complete the rotation of the arm 1004 to the armedposition with the release cam 208 (e.g., the arm 1004 of the release cam208) pointing down towards the release line retainer 210. After apredetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), the TR4RT display mayindicate “ARMED” The line restraint device 200 may be ready to bedeployed.

In various embodiments, a geolocation system may be utilized. An app ona smartphone, smart table, personal computer, or the like may display amap. When an aquatic trap 502 is deployed, the user may press a deploybutton on the app screen and the trap, location, deployment time and/orpop-up time may be submitted to a database via cellular link. If theboat is outside of cell range, the submission can be supplemented bysatellite link or the submission can be buffered and submitted when cellcommunication is restored. When the aquatic trap 502 is recovered, theuser may press a retrieve button on the app screen and the database maybe updated to indicate the time the trap had been removed.

The app can also be used to access trap locations from the database inthe vicinity of the boat to help avoid interference. A radial distancefrom existing traps may be designated, and the user may be notified bythe central system (e.g., in communication with the database) and/or theapp via a warning on the app screen if the user is deploying too closeto an existing trap location.

In various embodiments, the database and information identifyinglocation and identity of the aquatic traps may be used by regulators toassist in assessing placement of traps by permit time, area, and thelike. Regulators may be able to export information and performstatistical analysis to determine total traps, soak times, and the like.The information may be available to regulators and law enforcement inreal-time (e.g., as soon as an aquatic trap 502 is deployed, thedatabase may be updated and that information may be provided immediatelyto or at the request of regulators and/or law enforcement).

While many embodiments discussed herein depict the release cam 208turning to open the cavity, it will be appreciated that any movabledevice or articulation may operate to open or close to hold the releaseline 302. Further, in some embodiments, rather than the release cam 208moving, any component or combination of components may move to releasethe release line 302. For example, the release line retainer 210 maymove (e.g., the motor may rotate the release line retainer 210 aroundthe line restraint device 200) to release the release line 302.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating entities of an example digitaldevice able to read instructions from a machine-readable medium andexecute those instructions in a processor to perform the machineprocessing tasks discussed herein, such as the engine operationsdiscussed above. Specifically, FIG. 18 shows a diagrammaticrepresentation of a digital device in the example form of a digitaldevice 1800 within which instructions 1824 (e.g., software) for causingthe machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussedherein may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to othermachines, for instance, via the Internet.

The digital device may include a processor and memory any may include aPIC, processor, raspberry PI, or the like.

The example digital device 1800 includes a processor 1802 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), adigital signal processor (DSP), one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), one or more radio-frequency integratedcircuits (RFICs), or any combination of these), a main memory 1804, anda static memory 1806, which are configured to communicate with eachother via a bus 1808. The digital device 1800 may further include agraphics display unit 1810 (e.g., a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquidcrystal display (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). Thedigital device 1800 may also include a data store 1812 and a networkinterface device 1814, which also are configured to communicate via thebus 1808.

The data store 1812 includes a machine-readable medium 1816 on which isstored instructions 1818 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more ofthe methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1818(e.g., software) may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 1804 or within the processor 1802 (e.g., within aprocessor's cache memory) during execution thereof by the digital device1800, the main memory 1804 and the processor 1802 also constitutingmachine-readable media. The instructions 1818 (e.g., software) may betransmitted or received over a network (not shown) via optional networkinterface 1814.

While machine-readable medium 1816 is shown in an example embodiment tobe a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be takento include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to storeinstructions (e.g., instructions 1818). The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring instructions (e.g., instructions 1818) for execution by thedigital device and that cause the machine to perform any one or more ofthe methodologies disclosed herein. The term “machine-readable medium”includes, but should not be limited to, data repositories in the form ofsolid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

FIG. 19 depicts different views of the release cam 208 in anembodiments. Measurements may be in inches. Some of the views depict thestep as well as clearances for coupling the step to the motor 908 and/oraxel.

It will be appreciated that the housing 202, end cap 204, release cam208, and motor mount may, in some embodiments, be made using a 3Dprinter or a PW machine. The motor 908 may be a 116 RPM premiumplanetary gear motor with encoder (e.g., the motor 908, planetary gear906, and encoder 910 maybe together). Each bulkhead 914 and 920 may be,for example, 3D print 6 g of filament per unit—HATCHBOX PLA 3D PrinterFilament, Dimensional Accuracy +/−0.03 mm, 1 kg Spool, 1.75 mm. Thecontrol and power PCB 918 may be from CBS electronics.

The following are further examples of possible components of the linerestraint device 200:

Batteries Energizer AA ultimate End Cap O-rings McMaster Oil-ResistantBuna-N O-Ring, ⅛ Fractional Width, Dash Number 221 Release Cam O-ringsMcMaster Oil-Resistant Buna-N O-Ring, 3/32 Fractional Width, Dash Number113 End Cap Fasteners McMaster Button Head Hex Drive Screw, 10-24 ThreadSize, ⅝″ Long End Cap Fasteners McMaster Button Head Hex Drive Screw,10-24 Thread Size, ½″ Long Motor Mount Fasteners McMaster M2 × 0.4 mmThread, 6 mm Long Motor Mount/Bulkhead McMaster 6-32 Thread Size, 4″Long Fasteners Motor Mount/Bulkhead McMaster Narrow Hex Nut, 6-32 ThreadSize Fasteners Motor Mount/Bulkhead McMaster Split Lock Washer forNumber 6 Fasteners Screw Size Motor Mount/Bulkhead 18-8 Stainless SteelNylon-Insert Locknut, Fasteners 6-32 Thread Size Circuit/Battery MountMcMaster Phillips Flat Head Screw, Fasteners Passivated, 4-40 ThreadSize, 5/16″ Long Circuit/Battery Mount McMaster Hex Nut, 4-40 ThreadSize Fasteners Motor Hub Fasteners McMaster Flat Head Screw, Passivated,4-40 Thread Size, ½″ Long Cam Retainer Washers McMaster Washer forNumber 4 Screw Size Motor Hub Set Screws 18-8 Stainless Steel Cup-PointSet Screw, 4-40 Thread, 1/16″ Long Motor Hub Set Screws 18-8 StainlessSteel Cup-Point Set Screw, 4-40 Thread, 3/32″ Long

In this description, the term “module” refers to computational logic forproviding the specified functionality. A module can be implemented inhardware, firmware, and/or software. Where the modules described hereinare implemented as software, the module can be implemented as astandalone program, but can also be implemented through other means, forexample as part of a larger program, as any number of separate programs,or as one or more statically or dynamically linked libraries. It will beunderstood that the named modules described herein represent oneembodiment, and other embodiments may include other modules. Inaddition, other embodiments may lack modules described herein and/ordistribute the described functionality among the modules in a differentmanner. Additionally, the functionalities attributed to more than onemodule can be incorporated into a single module. In an embodiment wherethe modules as implemented by software, they are stored on a computerreadable persistent storage device (e.g., hard disk), loaded into thememory, and executed by one or more processors as described above inconnection with FIG. 18. Alternatively, hardware or software modules maybe stored elsewhere within a computing system.

As referenced herein, a computer or computing system includes hardwareelements used for the operations described here regardless of specificreference in FIG. 18 to such elements, including, for example, one ormore processors, high-speed memory, hard disk storage and backup,network interfaces and protocols, input devices for data entry, andoutput devices for display, printing, or other presentations of data.Numerous variations from the system architecture specified herein arepossible. The entities of such systems and their respectivefunctionalities can be combined or redistributed.

1. A line restraint system comprising: a housing; a processor; a motorcontained within the housing, the housing sealing the motor and theprocessor from getting wet when the housing is submerged; a release camextending from the housing, the release cam comprising a stem portionand an arm portion opposite the stem portion, the stem portion beingproximate to the housing, the arm portion being opposite the stemportion and away from the housing, the arm portion extending away fromthe stem portion of the release cam, the stem portion being rotatablycoupled to the motor, the motor being configured to turn the arm portionof the release cam between an open and closed state, when in the closedstate, an overhang of the arm portion of the release cam at leastpartially defining a cavity capable of retaining a release line, when inthe open state, the release cam opening the cavity to enable release ofthe release line; and a timer contained within the housing, the timerbeing configured to receive instructions from the processor to set aparticular time and capable of triggering the motor to turn the releasecam from the closed state to the open state at the particular time. 2.The line restraint system of claim 1, further comprising a release lineretainer coupled to the line restraint system, a portion of the releaseline retainer extending from the housing, and wherein in the closedstate, the arm portion of the release cam being directed towards therelease line retainer, the release line retainer and the overhang of thearm portion of the release cam at least partially defining the cavity.3. The line restraint system of claim 1, wherein the line restraintsystem is capable of being coupled to an aquatic trap and capable ofholding a release line in the cavity when the line restraint system isin the closed stated, thereby enabling a trap line coupled to a buoy tobe restrained from rising when the aquatic trap is deployed underwater.4. The line restraint system of claim 1, wherein the particular time isan amount of time that must pass until the timer triggers the motor. 5.The line restraint system of claim 1, wherein the particular time is achronological time that must be reached until the timer triggers themotor.
 6. The line restraint system of claim 1, wherein the processor isfurther configured to set the particular time through movement of therelease cam.
 7. The line restraint system of claim 6, wherein theprocessor being further configured to set the particular time comprisesthe processor receiving a first signal to change the particular timebased on a clockwise turn of the release cam.
 8. The line restraintsystem of claim 6, wherein the processor being further configured to setthe particular time comprises the processor configured to set theparticular time based on a first turn of the release cam, to increasethe particular time based on a clockwise turn of the release cam, todecrease the particular time based on a counterclockwise turn of therelease cam, and store the particular time based on inaction of therelease cam for a particular duration.
 9. The line restraint system ofclaim 1, wherein the line restraint system is capable of being coupledto at least one bar within an inside of an aquatic trap, the aquatictrap comprising the at least one bar within its structure.
 10. A methodcomprising: receiving, by a processor of a line restraint system, asignal to set a timer, the line restraint system including a housing,the processor being within the housing; setting, by the processor, aparticular time to trigger a motor to turn a release cam of the linerestraint system, the motor being within the housing, the housingsealing the processor and the motor from getting wet when the housing issubmerged; triggering, by the processor, the motor to turn the releasecam when the particular time is reached, the release cam extending fromthe housing, the release cam comprising a stem portion and an armportion opposite the stem portion, the stem portion being proximate tothe housing, the arm portion being opposite the stem portion and awayfrom the housing, the arm portion extending away from the stem portionof the release cam, the stem portion being rotatably coupled to themotor; and turning, by the motor, the arm portion of the release camfrom a closed state to an open state, when in the closed state, anoverhang of the arm portion of the release cam at least partiallydefining a cavity that is enclosed and capable of retaining a releaseline, when in the open state, the cavity is no longer enclosed to enablerelease of the release line.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein theline restraint system further comprises a release line retainer affixedoutside of the housing, a portion of the release line retainer extendingfrom the housing, and wherein in the closed state, the arm portion ofthe release cam being directed towards the release line retainer, therelease line retainer and the overhang of the arm portion of the releasecam at least partially defining the cavity that is enclosed.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the line restraint system is capable ofbeing coupled to an aquatic trap and capable of holding a release linein the cavity when the line restraint system is in the closed stated,thereby enabling a trap line coupled to a buoy to be restrained fromrising when the aquatic trap is deployed underwater.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the particular time is an amount of time that mustpass until the timing device triggers the motor.
 14. method of claim 10,wherein the particular time is a chronological time that must be reacheduntil the timer triggers the motor.
 15. The method of claim 10, whereinthe signal is generated from manual movement of the release cam.
 16. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the signal is generated from a manual,clockwise movement of the release cam.
 17. The method of claim 10,wherein the signal is generated from a manual, clockwise movement of therelease cam to increase the particular time.
 18. The method of claim 10,wherein the signal is generated from a manual, counterclockwise movementof the release cam to decrease the particular time.
 19. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the line restraint system is capable of being coupledto at least one bar within an inside of an aquatic trap, the aquatictrap comprising the at least one bar within its structure.